• Why PETS Need Dental Care:
  For most of us, caring for our teeth and gums has been part of our daily routine for as long as we can remember. Just like you, your pet needs dental care too, both  professional care from your veterinarian and home care from you, to keep plaque and tartar removed and breath fresh. Routine brushing and feeding special pet food products can help.
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• CONTRIBUTING Factors for Peridontal (gum) Disease include
  *POOR ORAL HYGIENE: Ignoring the condition of your pet's mouth can lead to periodontal disease, tooth loss, and other serious health problems, such as heart, liver and kidney failure.
  *BREED: Periodontal disease is more common in smaller breeds of dogs and certain breeds of cats.
  *AGE: Periodontal disease is more common as pets grow older.
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• CAUSES of Periodontal Disease (gingivitis):
  Plaque is a colorless film that contains large amounts of bacteria. If left unchecked, plaque builds up along with calcified tartar and bacteria that infiltrates and separates the gum lining from the teeth.   Infection of the gums (gingivitis) erodes the gums and resulting in the loss of the tissues and bone that support the teeth leading to teeth loss.
  Preventive oral care can reduce the formation of plaque and help maintain proper oral health throughout your pet's life.

SIGNS of Periodontal Disease can include :

All pets are at risk for developing dental problems. Once your pet displays any of the warning signs listed above, serious periodontal disease may be present. Don't wait for these signs. Start a preventive program of dental care today.

BRUSHING YOUR PET'S TEETH

• Introduce a brushing program gradually and early; training may take several days or weeks.
• At first, dip your finger into beef bouillon for a dog or tuna water for a cat and rub your finger over the pet's mouth and teeth.
• Make these initial sessions brief and positive.
• Introduce gauze on your finger with the same beef or tuna flavor and begin rubbing the teeth in a circular motion.
• Before graduating to a soft bristle toothbrush or finger brush, put a small amount of toothpaste specifically designed for pets such as Cident ® on your finger, mix and and allow the pet to taste it.
• Finally, dispense equal small amounts of the 2 parts of Cident ® onto a moist toothbrush and allow your pet to lick the bristles. Begin brushing gently at a 45° angle away from the gumline.
• Build up to about 30 seconds per side. Dogs and cats don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of the teeth so you need only worry about the outside surfaces.
• Be sure to brush the large molar teeth in the back of the mouth as this is where most plaque occurs.
• Proceed slowly and gently. Stop each session while it is still fun.
• Remember to praise your pet to encourage a pleasant experience every time bushing is done.Try to do this once a day.
• Do not use Toothpaste designed for people which contain foaming agents and fluoride, ingredients that may upse your pet's stomach.